BLAENAU Gwent has scrapped the role of mayor in a move estimated to save £55,000.

At an AGM meeting this morning, the new Independent-controlled council voted to axe the positions of mayor and deputy mayor.

The new set-up will see Cllr Denzil Hancock as the chairman of the council instead of mayor, with a deputy chairman replacing deputy mayor.

Independent councillor Nigel Daniels was voted in as leader of the council with responsibility for corporate services, while Garth Collier (Ind) was selected as deputy leader overseeing environment policy.

But the move scrap the long-held tradition of having a mayor has caused controversy.

Labour councillor Keith Hayden said it was a “sad day” for residents in Blaenau Gwent and groups which will miss out on mayoral funding.

He said: “The role of council mayor is important position as most of the £55,000 goes to supporting local groups and sport organisations and cultural events and major charities.

“The mayor funds also are used for hospitality to potential employers and visiting dignitaries, this will not now happen.

“The axing of the mayor role means there is now real probability that a redundancy for a council employee will take place which will swallow up the money saved in redundancy costs, thus not making it available for their intend purpose.”

He added: “The real losses in axing the role of mayor will be all the people and children who go to local groups who look forward to the mayor attending and also special birthday and wedding anniversary celebrations where the mayor attends on behalf of the borough council.”

But Cllr Dai Davies, independent, said he voted to scrap the position as the role was a “luxury” the council could not afford.

He said ideally the council would keep the role, but that it had to find ways to save money.

“We have to think about what is right for the people of Blaenau Gwent in making these decisions.

“The money is just not there for what is a ceremonial position,” he said.

Independent councillors took control of Blaenau Gwent council in the May local elections as Labour saw its majority disappear.

Cllr Davies said the Independent-led council will be aiming to bring about a “revamp” of policy ideas.

He added that local road repairs were understood to be one of the new administration’s key priorities for the immediate future.